How to Decide What to Keep When Moving and What to Throw Away

Why Is Getting Rid of Certain Items Crucial When Relocating?

Packing unnecessary things is one of the major relocation mistakes people tend to make. Those who think that carrying every belonging adds a tremendous value to the commencement of their new lives couldn’t be more wrong. It’s precisely the other way around. Decluttering is a good thing and a healthy habit. Even if you’re staying right where you are, tossing, donating, or selling unwanted items now and then is the best choice. Firstly, clearing out your home keeps you organized. In addition to it, there are several important advantages of dodging clutter:

• Your relocation costs would be lower,
• Keeping track of your belongings is much easier,
• The unpacking process is less stressful and time-consuming.

Moreover, if you sell household objects or clothes you didn’t wear in years, you might add some extra bucks to your budget. As for the non-financial benefits of decluttering, it promotes your lifestyle. No mess means no relocation stress.

The 3 Main Things You Must Keep In Mind When Packing

The first rule of relocation says that you must be prepared before the movers arrive. Aside from buying helpful packing materials, such as boxes and bubble wrap, you must classify your belongings into categories. And one of those categories should be called “discard pile.” Here’s how to decide what to get rid of and what to keep:

• Think about the value of specific items,
• Consider your relocation type,
• Calculate the costs.

These questions and estimations will help you save time and money. Before seeking professional moving services, make sure that you’ve planned it all out.

Which Values Should You Consider?

When assessing an item’s value, there are several parameters that you need to consider. How often do you use it? Is it sentimentally worthy? Is it in good condition? How durable is it? Does it match your new home? If an object is rarely used, outdated, or broken, you should undoubtedly toss it. Still, some belongings that you don’t use frequently are part of the family tradition and inheritance. For instance, you should never leave behind your grandfather clock or a similar sentimental belonging. Once you answer the series of questions we’ve listed, you’ll know exactly what to keep and what to throw away.

What to Get Rid of When Moving Across the Country?

Cross-country moving requires a different approach than relocation to a nearer town or block. Transporting your stuff locally is simpler, less demanding, and often cheaper. Additionally, the change itself isn’t very noticeable. The weather will be pretty much the same as at your old address, and the overall lifestyle will remain similar. However, relocating across the country implies leaving behind the objects that aren’t practical, high-priced, or very dear to you.

How to Lower Relocation Costs?

When transferring your possessions to a new home, you’ll find that two essential factors influence your relocation costs. Firstly, the distance between the two addresses determines the price. Besides, the weight of the packages can additionally increase the expenses. And that’s not all. When packing furniture, you might need some assistance from the pros. Expert cross-country movers can help you disassemble large household objects. In most cases, that service doesn’t add to the cost. To avoid clutter and save some money, double-check the list of stuff you actually need – from small elements to couches, sofas, and other large objects you wish to move. Another efficient saving method is to reduce the need for storage services.

Decluttering 101 – How to Do It Right?

Now that we’ve analyzed the criteria for keeping or dismissing personal belongings, it’s time to dig deeper into this topic. Here are some ground rules for decluttering before relocation:

• Start getting ready for the move on time and avoid packing in a hurry.
• Canvas one room at the time and use three different labels to separate wanted from unwanted and unusable possessions. Make a third pile that will consist of stuff you can donate or sell.
• Start with the relocation essentials – pack the necessary things and products for the first day you move into the new place. This is the easiest way to track all properties and unpack them later.
• Save the best for last – memories and sentimental possessions should be packed last.
• Use stockpiled household goods before you relocate – if you have some extra toothpaste or bath products, make sure to exhaust them before the relocation day, so that you can travel more lightly.
• Check out all expiration dates carefully, especially food, makeup, and health products.

Items to Toss, Donate, or Sell

Once you take a more thorough approach to every closet and cabinet in the house, you’d be surprised how many goods are, in fact, no good to you anymore. And, to be honest, some of them were most likely obsolete in the first place. Decluttering for the sake of it is one thing. However, relocation requires even more attention to domicile stuff and their usage. Especially if this is your first move. In that case, give yourself some extra time. Also, contact the experts to obtain the best packing service and preserve the goods you’ve decided to keep.

Clean Out Your Closet – Forget the Old Outfits You No Longer Need

Almost everyone has at least one pair of jeans they secretly hope will fit once again. If you’re relocating, especially across the country or abroad, this dearly kept piece of clothing has no business being in your closet or packing boxes anymore. The same criteria go for the rest of the wardrobe, and the shoes you’ll pack are included. If it’s too big, too small, considered cringy, or has a hole in it – don’t take it with you. If you’re wondering – what to keep and what to sell when moving, think about the last time you’ve worn some of the stuff that hangs in your closet. The clothes that are in good condition and yet not suitable for you can be sold, donated, or given to a friend.

Examine Your Bathroom Cabinets – Expired Health Products, Cosmetics, and Makeup

Reading the small letters from all bottles and packages you have stored in your cabinets isn’t very entertaining. Nevertheless, it’s inevitable that you do it. What’s the point in taking an expired hair conditioner on a cross-country move? Go through all of your bath products, makeup, colognes, and perfumes before you start to pack them. You might have some expired vitamins or medicine somewhere in there as well. If so, not only are they unnecessary, but they can be dangerous for your health too.

Evaluate all your cleaning products and tame your bathroom entirely. And while you’re there, you’ll easily find some towels and shower-curtains that haven’t looked or felt brand-new for years now. Don’t feel bad about not keeping them.

Check Out the Kitchen – Leave Behind the Old Cups and Mugs

Kitchen cabinets require careful consideration. Double and triple check every plate, glass, and piece of tableware. The ones that are flawed or rarely used shouldn’t be placed into your boxes and shipped to your new home. Still, your kitchen is packed with fragile household objects that need careful handling. The glassware that makes the final cut and gets labeled as needed demands proper wrapping and protection. However, don’t bother carrying:

• Anything that’s broken,
• Kitchen devices that don’t work,
• Mismatched sets of glasses or cups,
• Plastic containers with no lids,
• Leftover food.

The kitchen extras rarely bother you in everyday life and your routines. Nonetheless, when your lifestyle and environment strive for a change, hoarding kitchen elements is a major mistake. However, pack the dishes, mugs, and other stuff you’ll certainly need.

Children Room Clutter – Outdated Toys and Clothing

Relocating with kids adds a whole new layer of going through countless items. Every kid’s room is filled with toys. Amongst all of them, there’s always more than one that’s broken, old, or outgrown. If you find multiple toys your kids will no longer play with, you could donate them. Additionally, you’ll be eliminating clothes as well. Children grow fast, and you need to renew their wardrobe pretty quickly. Decluttering kids’ rooms before you move will save you a lot of space, relocation related costs, and materials you’d buy to pack it all. Even if going with your family into a more spacious dwelling is one of your main reasons to move, taking some non-essential belongings is a waste of time and space.

Out-of-date Electronics – Old Phones or Players

You might not display these pieces of ancient devices for the general public, but the odds are there is a non-functioning VCR somewhere in your basement. Once you bump into it, don’t consider adding it with the rest of your carefully packed electronics. Also, search your drawers. There might be a hidden early 00s nostalgia bedazzled flip-phone. No matter how tempting it is, if you encounter it, do not take it to your next home. Additionally, there are probably some stray cords inside your home. If you can’t remember where they came from within the first five seconds, don’t give them a second thought.

Old Bills, Receipts, and Unnecessary Paperwork – It’s Time for Shredding

Double-checking the documentation you own is a mandatory part of decluttering. If necessary, review it several times to make sure nothing valuable has been displaced. However, you ought to find some bills and receipts you’ve kept for no apparent reason. Those are the stuff you should dispose of. Since keeping guarantees for all electronics is something we all do (and for a good reason,) make sure only to pack and transport those that still matter. These papers are indispensable since they provide insurance and serve as proof that your devices are fully functional. If they break or get lost during the move, there will be evidence that speaks in your favor.

Other Mess-Makers You Should Toss

Once you’re done with canvassing and examining every frequently used room in the house, there’s often more to do. If you have a garage or a basement, you unquestionably have some more clutter on your hands. An average garage can contain these unwanted objects:

• Sporting equipment you no longer use,
• The furniture you’ve chosen to diss but never did,
• House remodeling and rearranging tools and products like paint containers,
• Former hobbies memento.

In short – there’s plenty to declutter. You just need to organize this action and follow through. While we’re at the improvised storage units, unread books represent a debatable topic. Even though they’re fairly heavy (and possibly dusty,) at least some of them must be keepers. Still, choose smartly and pack the books you decide to keep properly.

Knowing What to Keep When Moving Is Very Important

Relocating and transferring your household properties is a bit of a challenge. Even when we know all about telling apart essential from non-essential belongings, we still sometimes have a hard time tossing one aside. Nevertheless, if you follow these simple and proven organizational tips and tricks, it will all be done smoothly and swiftly. Plan carefully, and check everything you own (several times if needed.) Make checklists, different piles, and choose labels for each one. Sell or donate the belongings you no longer use. Declutter and get ready. Try not to pack quickly and lose or damage any of your possessions. Remember – if you carefully prepare your move, things should go according to your plans.